The Solae Company solidifies position in China

The St.Louis, Missouri-based soy protein maker has been in partnership with Henan Luohe Shineway Industry Group, a Chinese meat processor, for four years and has now announced the unveiling of a new plant. The facility will employ 200 workers to manufacture a dry soy protein that Solae said is in high demand.

"Healthy eating and diet management will play an increasingly important role in China,"​ said Tony Arnold, president and CEO of Solae. "Consumers will look for more convenient food forms, and value foods that deliver nutritional benefits."​

As part of its partnership with Solae, Shineway offers both animal and vegetable proteins for markets in China - including for functional foods.

Solae said its soy protein has the same protein quality score as meat, egg and milk protein, is highly digestible and lactose-free.

Studies have linked diets rich in soy protein to health benefits including a lowered risk for heart disease, help in managing weight and the prevention of certain kinds of cancer.

Shineway said it is China's largest meat processor. It has 36,000 employees, 20 meat processing facilities, slaughters two million metric tons of meat and ten million pigs yearly.

Solae has an annual revenue exceeding $1b and was formed through an alliance between Bunge Limited and DuPont.